ALEXA? GET ME THE DISH NETWORK

Could an Amazon-Dish Network hook-up be key to pushing the online retailer into the streaming mainstream?

The Wall St. Journal confirmed that Amazon and Dish have begun partnership talks. For years, Dish has sought out deals with mobile providers as well as Google that have not proven fruitful.

With Amazon, they’d have a partner they’ve already aligned with, most crucially on Echo, the device Amazon is banking on to build its streaming music service. Being the only TV service that Alexa will obey will be crucial with the launch of Echo Show, which adds a screen to the device that’s currently audio only.

Dish is clearly the struggling unit here, having lost tens of thousands of subscribers as viewers look for cheaper options to receive video programming. Cellphones plans and Amazon video and music streams have future for Dish that connects with the cable-cutting generation.

Dish has been investing in wireless spectrum, a commodity Amazon needs. With Dish’s airwaves and Amazon’s cash reserves, the two could establish themselves in new territory with a 5G network. That, in the long run, could only help the music business.

The news has already pushed up Dish’s stock price close to its 52-week high of $66.48 while Amazon continues to hover around $975. Stay tuned.